Workforce Planning Checklist 

A checklist ensures you don’t miss a critical step in the workforce planning process. 

Key items to include: 

[ 1] Secure executive sponsor. 

[2 ] Form cross-functional team. 

[3 ] Define planning timeframe and scope. 

[ 4] Gather and clean current workforce data. 

[5 ] Document business strategy and goals. 

[ 6] Conduct current supply analysis. 

[7 ] Forecast future demand. 

[8 ] Identify critical gaps and risks. 

[ 9] Brainstorm and prioritize strategies. 

[ 10] Develop detailed action plans with owners. 

[11 ] Create executive presentation. 

[12 ] Secure approval and budget. 

[13 ] Communicate plan to managers. 

[14 ] Implement strategies. 

[15 ] Establish metrics and dashboard. 

[16 ] Schedule regular review meetings.

 Workforce Planning Questions 

Asking the right questions is the engine of effective workforce planning.

Key questions include: 

1. Strategic: 

What are our key business goals for the next 3-5 years? 

What capabilities are needed to achieve them? 

2. Current State: 

What skills do we have today? 

Where are our performance gaps? 

Who is at risk of leaving? 

3. Future Demand: 

How might technology change our needed skills? 

How does growth impact headcount? 

4. Gaps: 

Where are our most critical talent gaps? What roles are hardest to fill? 

Solutions: Should we build, buy, or borrow talent? 

How can we improve retention? 

What is the ROI of different solutions?